What type of metamorphosis do mosquitoes undergo?

What type of metamorphosis do mosquitoes undergo?

• A. No metamorphosis
• B. Complete
• C. Simple
• D. Gradual

Answer: (B)

Mosquitoes undergo complete metamorphosis (holometabolism). They pass through four distinct life stages: egg, larva, pupa, and adult. The larva and pupa are aquatic and look nothing like the winged, adult mosquito, with the larva feeding on microorganisms in water and the pupa serving as a transitional stage before the adult emerges. This dramatic transformation between stages is the defining feature of complete metamorphosis. In contrast, gradual (incomplete) or simple metamorphosis would have nymphs that resemble smaller versions of the adult, which isn’t the case for mosquitoes.

Mosquitoes undergo complete metamorphosis (holometabolism). They pass through four distinct life stages: egg, larva, pupa, and adult. The larva and pupa are aquatic and look nothing like the winged, adult mosquito, with the larva feeding on microorganisms in water and the pupa serving as a transitional stage before the adult emerges. This dramatic transformation between stages is the defining feature of complete metamorphosis. In contrast, gradual (incomplete) or simple metamorphosis would have nymphs that resemble smaller versions of the adult, which isn’t the case for mosquitoes.